Publicity for Community Chest. Tuesday Night Dance at U.S.O. Club at 13th and Fawcett. Some military personnel and the hostesses of the evening, from the Tacoma Junior Women's Club, belly up to the bar- an ice cream bar, that is. Every Tuesday, a dance was hosted by a different women's club.

World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Dance--Tacoma--1940-1950; Evening gowns--1940-1950;

A giant "V- for victory" decorated the special cake at the dance held on Tuesday, August 4, 1942 at the U.S.O. at 13th and Fawcett. The dance that week honored the 152nd anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Coast Guard. All the hostesses for the evening, who planned the entertainment and late supper, were members of the Junior Woman's Club headed by Mrs. P. Frank Jenkins. Gathered around the serving table are (l to r): Don Magee, John Nazrat, Miss Beverley Herbert, Harry Dillon, Mrs. William (Ruth) Groves, president of the Junior Woman's Club, Miss Fran Jurancich, Norman Stensager and Joseph Kroft. (TNT 8/7/1942 p.9)

World War, 1939-1945--Military life--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Magee, Don; Nazrat, John; Herbert, Beverley; Dillon, Harry; Groves, Ruth; Jurancich, Fran; Stensager, Norman; Kroft, Joseph;

In October of 1942, under the tutelage of veterans of the U.S.S. Tacoma, V.F.W. Post No. 2329, three young men from Tacoma passed the examinations for enlistment in the Army Air Corps. The young men who passed the test and were waiting to be called up to become "air cadets in training" were: (beginning 2nd from left) George L. Warter, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Warter, 4817 No. 43rd St.; Virgil F. "Bud" Walker, 19, son of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Walker, 1002 So. Sprague St.; and Richard D. Foley, son of Mrs. Florence C. Foley, 720 6th Ave. Flanking the three cadets-to-be are: (left) S.J. Gabis, chairman of post No. 2329's recruiting committee; and Capt. Dewey Busch, post commander. Richard "Dick" Foley enlisted in the navy after graduating from Bellarmine H.S. He died Oct. 8, 2004. (T. Times 10/10/1942 p.3)

World War, 1939-1945--Recruiting & enlistment--Tacoma; Warter, George; Foley, Richard; Walker, Virgil; Gabis, S.J.; Busch, Dewey;

Donation by fishermen of rubber tires used as bumpers on their boats. Port Piers. (T. Times)

World War, 1939-1945--Scrap drives;

When President F.D. Roosevelt called for a nationwide scrap rubber collection campaign to take place June 15-30, 1942, Tacoma's fishing fleet responded by giving up their boat bumpers to "Bump" the Axis. Rubber recycling was necessary because 92% of the U.S.'s normal supply of crude rubber had been cut off by the Japanese. On June 22, the fishing fleet turned over 800 pounds of rubber, most of it old tires that had been used on the boats as bumpers; the tires had protected the boats when docking and launching. Pictured aboard his salmon fishing boat is Anton (Tony) Tencich. He is holding the rope for the tire being lowered from his boat. Mr. Tencich, now deceased, and his wife Mary (Basich) Tencich were immigrants from Croatia-Slovenia, as were many of the local fishermen of his era. He later became a U.S. citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Tencich lived in Tacoma their entire adult lives, raised their family here and built several homes. (T. Times 6/23/1942, pg. 1) (Additional information provided by a reader)

World War, 1939-1945--Scrap drives; Scrap drives--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tires; Fishing boats--Tacoma; Tencich, Anton;

Fishing boat skippers and crew members from Tacoma's fishing fleet pose proudly with a stack of used tires, part of their contribution to the scrap rubbler drive. President Franklin D. Roosevelt called for a nationwide scrap rubber drive June 15-30, 1942. Tacoma's fishing fleet stepped up to the bat by donating the used tires used to protect their boats during docking. The "bumpers" were only part of their donation; they also gave used waders, gloves and other items, 800 pounds worth. The payment for the rubber, about $8.00, was donated to Civil Defense. Standing to the left of the stack of tires (wearing overalls) is Anton (Tony) Tencich. The group was posed in front of his salmon fishing boat, the "Vigilant." He, like many of Tacoma's fishermen of this era, was an immigrant from Croatia- Slovenia and was proud to be of assistance to his chosen country. (T. Times 6/23/1942, pg. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Scrap drives; Scrap drives--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tires; Fishing boats--Tacoma; Tencich, Anton;

USO Junior Hostesses and servicemen raise the flag on July 23, 1942 in honor of the Open House at the South Tacoma USO. Built in a park setting, the South Tacoma USO offered opportunities for sports activities as well as social activities. Publicity for Community Chest.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

On July 23, 1942, servicemen and USO junior hostesses pose on the "Gallant Lady II." The group was preparing to depart from the Tacoma Municipal Dock for an evening of cruising and dancing under the stars. The ship made weekly cruises on behalf of the USO. The Junior Hostess Association helped soldier morale at Tacoma's USO centers by interacting with the men in sports and social events. Girls could register at the Junior Hostess Bureau in the Rust Building as part of their contribution to the war effort. (TNT 8-2-42, p. A-7-article & alternate photograph)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

On July 23, 1942, the "Gallant Lady II" pulled out from the Municipal Dock, crowded with servicemen and USO junior hostesses, for its weekly cruise. The group on board was looking forward to an evening of cruising, dancing and picnicking. (TNT 8/2/1942, pg. A-7)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

In July of 1942, the "Gallant Lady II" made weekly pleasure cruises, taking out a full load of servicemen and USO junior hostesses for an evening of cruising and dancing under the stars.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

On July 23, 1942, the "Gallant Lady II" heads back into dock, returning her load of merrymaking servicemen and smiling USO junior hostesses to dry land. The yacht made weekly excursions with passengers from the USO.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

Publicity for Community Chest. Open House at South Tacoma U.S.O. One uniformed military man appears to be sanding a long piece of wood. The other man holds one that is already sanded and sharpened and a pouch of arrows. The long pieces of wood may possibly be for fashioning into bows.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

In July of 1942, servicemen and USO junior hostesses line up in a picnic "chow line" after a busy afternoon playing outdoor sports. Due to its unique location in a park, the South Tacoma USO, at 4851 South Tacoma Way, was able to offer an extensive program of outdoor sports. Publicity for Community Chest.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

The "Gallant Lady II" heads back into Municipal dock on July 23, 1942, returning from one of her weekly cruises for military personnel and USO hostesses. Western Boat Building and Northwest Door Co. can be seen in the background. Publicity for Community Chest.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Mayor Harry P. Cain chats with three servicemen at the Community Chest Open House at the South Tacoma U.S.O.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In July of 1942, U.S.O. Junior Hostess registration was located at the United Services Organization office, Room 106, Rust Building. Five women pose for this publicity picture at a desk under a large U.S.O. banner.The women are, left to right, Eleanor Hoyt, unidentified woman in hat, Marie Caldwell, Grace Blangy and Phyllis Graves. Publicity for Community Chest. (TNT 8/2/1942, pg. A-7)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Hoyt, Eleanor; Caldwell, Marie; Blangy, Grace; Graves, Phyllis;

In July of 1942, U.S.O. Junior Hostess registration was located at the United Services Organization office in Room 106 of the Rust Building, 950 Pacific Avenue. Five women posed for this publicity picture at a desk under a large U.S.O. banner.The women were, left to right, Eleanor Hoyt, unidentified woman in hat, Marie Caldwell, Grace Blangy and Phyllis Graves. The junior hostesses were responsible for building morale by providing female companionship for soldiers in town, serving as dance and sports partners. Publicity for Community Chest. (TNT 8/2/1942, pg. A-7)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Hoyt, Eleanor; Caldwell, Marie; Blangy, Grace; Graves, Phyllis;

In July of 1942, hungry boys and girls eagerly heap their plates at a picnic supper at the South Tacoma USO, following an exciting afternoon of paddle tennis, volleyball and archery on the grounds. Tacoma's USO Jr. hostesses were charged with providing morale boosters for soldiers in town, not only as dance partners but also by taking enthusiastic part in sports and hobbies. (TNT 8/2/1942, PG. 1)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Picnics--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Ski party from 13th and Fawcett U.S.O. Military men and their escorts leave from the USO Club at 415 So. 13th carrying their ski gear. They will be boarding buses for Mt. Rainier for a day of winter fun.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

In January, 1943, buses are being loaded in front of the USO at South 13th and Fawcett Streets to take servicemen to Mount Rainier for a day of skiing. The USO provided entertainment for the many servicemen stationed in Pierce County during the war.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

In January, 1943, a group of soldiers and their escorts, leaving from the USO at South 13th and Fawcett Streets, stand in line to get seats on buses that will take them to Mount Rainier for a day of skiing. The USO provided entertainment for the many servicemen stationed in Pierce County during the war.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Several service men were photographed in January of 1943 leaving the USO building at 13th and Fawcett carrying skiing gear. They were on their way to Mount Rainier for a day of winter recreation. The women in the photograph may have been USO hostesses. This building is now the home of the Beacon Senior Center.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Military personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Skiers;

Despite wartime rationing, service men on leave could stop by the USO Club at 415 South 13th Street and get a soda fountain treat prepared by on of the Junior Hostess volunteers who worked behind the counter. In December of 1942 Jean Beardemphl (2nd from right) practiced her sundae making techniques with E. Barlow standing at her side. Junior hostess volunteers kept the fountain open 65 hours a week. Learning how to make concoctions despite the shortages of ice cream and sugar are: (left to right) Mary Jasper, Catherine Dougherty, Reh Robinson, Anne Pirger, Janet Picard, Eileen Fletcher, Marion Bartley, and Elaine Maurice. (TNT 1/6/1943, pg. 7) TPL-1998

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Soda fountains--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ice cream & ices;

On July 22, 1942, several sailors and USO junior hostesses enjoy a picnic under the trees. An archery target can be seen in the background.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma);

A group of interested South Tacomans gathers on September 18, 1942 for the formal dedication of the new outdoor fireplace and Barbecue pit at the park surrounding the South Tacoma USO Club. The fireplace was built with donated materials, money and labor.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Fireplaces--Tacoma;

A group of interested South Tacomans gathers on September 18, 1942 for the formal dedication of the new outdoor fireplace and Barbecue pit at the park surrounding the South Tacoma USO Club. The fireplace was built with donated materials, money and labor.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Fireplaces--Tacoma;

A group of union and city officials gather on September 18, 1942 to light the new outdoor fireplace outside of the South Tacoma USO Club. The fireplace was being formally dedicated. It was built of donated time, materials and labor. Pictured left to right are Paul Lucht, John Meyers, serviceman Phillip K. Pohl. Kneeling on right- Nick Feldman Jr., A.J. Cecchi, John Lewtas. Standing behind- George Haggerty, John McClintock, F.E. Lehman and C.E. Rudd. (TNT 9/21/1942, pg. 5)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Fireplaces--Tacoma;

On September 18, 1942, Tacoma officials and South Tacoma residents gathered for the Dedication Ceremony for the new outdoor fireplace and Barbecue pit outside of the South Tacoma USO Club. The fireplace was built with donated money, materials and labor from a design by Silas E. Nelson, architect. Pictured at the ceremony are, left to right, John Lewtas, Bricklayers Union; Paul Lucht, Cement Finishers and Plasterers Union; South Tacoma USO Director Eva Hancock, Tacoma Mayor Harry Cain, and John Meyers, Northern Pacific Railway shops. On the floor is mascot "Taffy." (T. Times 9/21/1942, pg. 3)

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Fireplaces--Tacoma; Lewtas, John; Lucht, Paul; Hancock, Eva; Cain, Harry P., 1906-1979; Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Meyers, John;

Flag raising at the South Tacoma USO, 4851 South Tacoma Way, in July of 1942.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Flags; Flagpoles;

The flag is raised by visiting servicemen at the South Tacoma USO, 4851 South Tacoma Way, on July 22, 1942. Publicity photo for Community Chest.

World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; United Service Organizations (Tacoma); Flags; Flagpoles;